Don Bosco running back Jalen Berger gains yardage on his way to a first half touchdown vs. Delbarton during their NJSIAA Non-Public Group IV semifinal. November 9, 2018, Ramsey, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey has finalized plans to open its 2019 football campaign against its Salesian brother school St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California. The tentative date for the game is Friday, Aug. 30.

The Braves of St. John Bosco are coming off a 13-1 season which saw them finish No. 3 nationally in the USA TODAY Super 25.

“They will be a huge challenge,” Teel said Friday morning. “But that’s part of the reason why our kids come to Don Bosco and why it has the reputation it has. We’re never going to shy away from playing the best teams. I think our kids will be excited to hear about this and see where we stack up.”

Noting the school’s similar names, Teel laughed.

“We will have a lot of fans out there,” he said.

The Ironmen have played in California before, most recently in 2013 when it lost to Mission Viejo, 28-25 in overtime. The Ironmen also defeated De La Salle 23-21 in 2008 in California. Under Teel, the Ironmen are 1-3 against out-of-state opponents.

The two schools developed a relationship over the past decade. The Braves came to New Jersey to help Don Bosco Prep celebrate its 100th anniversary, defeating St. Peter’s Prep 56-14 in 2015 at Granatell Stadium in Ramsey. This will be the first time they meet head-to-head.

"We have forged a great relationship over the years that I know the young men at both our schools will benefit from," said Don Bosco Prep athletic director Brian McAleer. "This is a contest we have talked about for a long time and we're looking forward to a great trip and great football game."

“I know they usually have a high-powered offense and score a lot of points,” Teel said. “We have to play our brand of football and bring our toughness to it and see what happens. It will be a great opportunity for our kids to go out there and spend time with one of our brother schools and play them.”

Teel said that his team has begun off-season training with over 100 kids participating. Next year the Ironmen will feature running back Jalen Berger, one of New Jersey’s top recruits.

The Ironmen are not the only North Jersey non-public superpower planning on opening its season in California. St. Joseph Regional, the defending Non-Public Group 4 champs, will play in the Honor Bowl against JSerra Catholic in San Diego the following day.